HOST REVIEW

Host is the story of six friends who hire a medium to hold a séance over Zoom during lockdown, but they get far more than they bargain for as things quickly go wrong. When an evil spirit starts invading their homes, they begin to realize they might not survive the night.

Starring: Haley Bishop, Radina Drandova, Edward Linard, Jemma Moore, Caroline Ward, and Emma Louise Webb

Directed by: Rob Savage

Written by: Rob Savage, Gemma Hurley, and Jed Shepherd

  COVID-19 has taken lives, and changed the world we live in. Obviously it has created a lot of bad, but it has also given a chance for creators to do what they do best. In this case, it gave filmmaker Rob Savage, and this cast and crew the opportunity to make a film within the limits of quarantine. A big credit to them for taking the risk, and making a film that many in quarantine will be able to relate to until the horror begins to set in, and boy does it set in!

  So one of the things that has become quite common in quarantine is the use of Zoom. Many have used it for work, some for podcasts, and others to talk with friends. However, there are probably very few who have used it to hold a séance. Any horror fan can tell you that’s a horrible idea, but this group of friends do it anyway. Yes, some of them have a little fear in what could happen, but overall they don’t take it too seriously. 

  The audience gets to watch the movie as if they’re in a Zoom meeting. This meeting has been created by Haley (Haley Bishop), who has invited five of her friends to join her. As each of them enter the room, the audience gets to learn a little about them, and possibly get tipped off at what’s in store for them. Then comes the introduction of Seylan (Seylan Baxter), who’s the medium that’s going to be running the séance. Things start off in a casual manner, but quickly turn dark.

  An evil spirit begins to haunt this group of friends, and things spin out of control. No more joking around, as each will experience fear like they never have before. Of course this is the fun part for horror fans. There are all kinds of scares from some that are just plain old creepy to those that will get them jumping out of their seats. Not all of them will be new to fans, but that doesn’t mean they won’t be effective. There will be no spoiling of what happens to each of these friends, but it’s not going to be a happy ending.

  What really works for the film and helps drive home the scares is how real it seems with obviously excluding the paranormal happenings. It will probably be particularly real for those who have used Zoom, or anything like it. They also don’t ignore some of the Zoom and computer options that are available. One of the girls uses a popular Zoom option that turns out to help make a very good scare. Another girl uses an option that adds a little humor at such a bad time for her. And because it’s a chat the audience gets to see each character right in front of their faces from each of their homes. This formula of realism and the paranormal worked for movies like “Paranormal Activity” and “Unfriended” so why not this one?

  Some of the scariest horror films come from situations that appear all too real. In an unfortunate sign of the times, Zoom meetings are becoming part of the routine for many people, and now horror has used it to freak out audiences. This group of friends enter one of the most unforgettable Zoom meetings of all time. The film makes the most out of technology to combine some new scares with familiar ones. “Host” is dark, creepy, and will definitely leave audiences thinking twice about entering a Zoom meeting! Because I will now remember this film every time we record a podcast on Zoom, I give it 4 pools of blood!

  HorrO

More about this film at: http://promotehorror.com/2020/07/29/shudders-new-zoom-based-horror-film-host-from-award-winning-filmmaker-rob-savage-premieres-july-30/

WE WANT TO BELIEVE REVIEW

We Want to Believe is a paranormal reality show that takes an un-Hollywood approach to the pseudo science of paranormal investigation. Episodes chronicle investigations by writer/director/investigator Jason Hewlett, paranormal investigator Peter Renn and their team as they tackle hauntings, spectral encounters, Bigfoot, UFO sightings, and other high strangeness, no false evidence, no camera tricks or special effects — this is the real deal; what you see is raw and intact. 

  The world seems divided between believers and non-believers. No, not religious believers, but believers in the paranormal. Maybe non-believers just need that ultimate piece of evidence that would make them believe, and probably scare the hell out of them. That’s one of the reasons audiences continue to see the growing number of paranormal shows. Shows that basically want you to believe!

   “We Want to Believe” definitely wants you to believe as well, but wants to bring fans a show that’s not trying to trick you into believing. The first few episodes definitely display that. Episode 1 is very much an introduction to the crew, and what’s to come. Jason Hewlett is the lead guide on this journey along with paranormal investigator Peter Renn. You hear about their experience with the paranormal, and what they hope to bring in the series. 

  As it moves to episode 2, the investigation is about to begin in a hotel in British Colombia. An old hotel seems like a great place for an investigation, as they tell the audience some of the stories and hauntings that have reportedly come from this hotel. The team splits up, and begins their investigation is different areas of the hotel. Episode 3 finally gets to the fun part, as each group encounter their own strange happenings. Is it what they’ve been looking for? Is it solid proof? You’ll have to see for yourself!

  This is only a review of the first three episodes of “We Want to Believe” because I want you to jump in now, and join them on the investigation. They seem like a group who’s just after the truth, and not looking to make this a dramatic show. When evidence is presented, they give the audience a chance to review it just like them, and draw your conclusions. They picked a great place to start, and I can’t wait to see what happens next. Will they find the ultimate piece of evidence…you’ll never know if unless your watching!

  HorrO

More info about this series at:

http://promotehorror.com/2020/06/10/we-want-to-believe/

WHERE THE SCARY THINGS ARE EPISODE 56

Where The Scary Things Are Episode 56: PERIPHERAL with Paul Hyett

In this Episode we speak to Paul Hyett Director of Peripheral. A great film that is a must watch. Muse talks about great horror novel turned into films. HorrO talks the Crazies remakes. Chris gives another stellar review of Peripheral and MonsterMash talks a little unsolved mysteries.

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HOMEWRECKER REVIEW

Two women befriend each other, but one becomes obsessed with the other.

Starring: Precious Chong, Alex Essoe, and Tony Matthews

Directed by: Zach Gayne

Written by: Precious Chong, Alex Essoe, and Zach Gayne

Check out the video below and find out how many pools of blood it received.

AMULET REVIEW

An ex-solider, living homeless in London, is offered a place to stay at a decaying house inhabited by a young woman and her dying mother. As he starts to fall for her, he cannot ignore his suspicion that something sinister is going on.

Starring: Imelda Staunton, Carla Juri, and Angeliki Papoulia

Directed and written by: Romola Garai

  Coming back from war can be hard for many soldiers. They might struggle with things like keeping a job, and having a roof over their heads. It might not be their fault because they may be suffering from some kind of trauma from their time in service. It’s a nightmare at the time, and a nightmare that sometimes returns night after night in their dreams. That’s just where the horror begins in “Amulet.”

  Tomaz (Alec Secareanu) is exactly that kind of ex-soldier. Life has been a struggle for him since his return, including being haunted by a dream of his time guarding a gate. He doesn’t have may places to turn for help, but seems to have found a friend in Sister Claire (Imelda Staunton), who helps find a home for him. She places him in a home with Magda (Carla Juri), who seems to have some issues of her own. She’s tasked with taking care of her dying mother living in the top floor of the house. 

  This sets up a situation where three people are in a house who appear to be dependent on others for help, but that isn’t necessarily the case. Tomaz tries fixing up the house, and comes across some weird things that are the first clues that something else might be going on here. He feels Magda is getting abused by her mom, and missing out on living a regular life. He kind of falls for her while trying to help her out. Unfortunately, he’s not ready for a relationship because he’s continues to be plagued by a dream of his time with a woman in the war.

  The movie continues the parallel between real time, and Tomaz’s dream. In both, he gets caught up with a woman he tries to help, but things don’t turn out like he hopes. The film takes it’s time setting up the conclusion to both sides of the story. It’s a little short on horror while these stories play out, instead giving the audience a lot to wonder about these characters. Who should they really feel sorry for, and what do these women have in common? There are going to be times when everything just feels strange, and that’s because of a big twist that's waiting to be unleashed.

  An amulet is supposed to give protection against evil, but that isn’t necessarily the case for Tomaz after he finds one. His time and decisions in war follow him home, and continuously haunt him. He seems to get a break from a friend, but things begin to look all too familiar with his past. Audiences will have to be patient, as “Amulet” will give them a lot to think about as things slowly play out. It gets some good performances, which are needed to bring these very unusual characters to life. With the twist that eventually reveals itself comes the true horror in the story. Horror the audience has been waiting for, and horrific endings to Tomaz’s stories. The twist isn’t bad, but might have overextended a little bit. With that, I give it 2 pools of blood. 

  HorrO

More info about this film at: http://promotehorror.com/2020/07/21/amulet-in-theaters-and-on-demand-july-24/

WHERE THE SCARY THINGS ARE EPISODE 55

Where The Scary Things are Episode 55: Max Brooks Talks Zombies

Max Brooks author of How To Survive a Zombie Apocalypse and World War Z joins the show. He talks about his new book Devolution. Muse gives us her Sinister 6: Non Horror Actors in Horror Movies. HorrO gives us the 666 PromoteHorror.com rundown. Chris reviews Lucio Fulci's Zombi and MonsterMash Ken talks about a killer zombie beer. 

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THE RENTAL REVIEW

Two couples rent a vacation home for what should be a celebratory weekend get-away.

Starring: Dan Stevens, Alison Brie, and Sheila Vand

Directed by: Dave Franco

Written by: Dave Franco, Joe Swanberg, and Mike Demski

  There’s nothing like taking a nice vacation especially after putting in some hard work. There’s many ways to do that including renting a home for a few days. A time to relax in a private home, drink, do drugs, go for walks, and of course enjoy the jacuzzi. Seriously…what could go wrong?

  Well Charlie (Dan Stevens), his wife Michelle (Alison Brie), his brother Josh (Jeremy Allen White), and his business partner Mina (Sheila Vand) are about to find out. The first half of the movie is very much about learning about these characters, and watching them get settled into this house. They’re supposed to be having a good time together, but things are off to a rocky start. Mina, who is also Josh’s girlfriend, gets into it with the guy who rents them the house. Then there’s some disagreement on who wants to do what. Michelle hits the bed early along with Josh who passes out, while Charlie and Mina continue the party. 

  Before the true horror is unleashed here, the characters do a pretty good job of self destructing on their own. Josh has a questionable past so they have to make sure he doesn’t have another screwup. He’s also not sure he belongs with Mina, and she doesn’t help the situation. Charlie and Michelle seem happily married at first, but things aren’t always what they seem. 

  Who needs the horror after all? I do and it certainly goes off with a bang. Without giving it away, lets say someone takes full advantage of this family, and friends blowing up. Yes it’s good to finally see the horror in the story, but this is more about the horror that goes home with the audience. Many times the audience leaves, and never thinks twice about the movie. Then there are movies like this one that will make you think twice before renting a home.

  “The Rental” gets off to a slow start, but ends with a bang. Think of the movie as lighting a stick of dynamite with a long string, and slowly waiting for it to explode. There’s a lot to learn about these characters, and a chance for each of them to dig their own graves. Strong performances from the cast pull it off, and then the dynamite explodes. The ending might remind audiences of one of my favorite movies, which also left fans with a similar dreadful feeling of “that could really happen to anyone!” Before you decide on renting an apartment or home, make sure you heed the warning in this movie. Because the movie will have you thinking about it much after it's over, I give it 3.5 pools of blood.

  HorrO

More about this film at:

http://promotehorror.com/2020/07/20/official-clip-from-the-rental-in-select-drive-ins-theaters-and-on-demand-july-24th/

IMPETIGORE REVIEW

Maya with her best friend, Dini, tries to survive in a city without a family. She realized that she might inherit a property from her rich family. Maya returns to the village with Dini and unaware of the danger was waiting for her.

Starring: Tara Basro, Ario Bayu, and Marissa Anita

Directed and written by: Joko Anwar

  Any horror fan can tell you they’ve seen some crazy stories. What’s the craziest...we’ll each fan has their favorites. Now I’m not sure where “Impetigore” falls on my list, but this is definitely a wild story. One that could only come from another part of world.

  It’s a crazy story, but also an excellent one. It begins and ends with Maya (Tara Basro), who’s a toll worker struggling to get by in the city. It doesn’t help when she’s attacked by a guy that has been stalking her. The man apparently knew something about where she came from, and this sparks an interest in her revisiting her past. Her best friend Dini (Marissa Anita) insists on going with her, and has hopes that Maya’s family turns out to be rich. 

  Unfortunately this isn’t a rags to riches story. They arrive at the village pretending to be students to protect Maya’s identity. They want to talk to Ki (Ario Bayu), who’s a popular puppeteer and local leader, but he’s busy at the moment. Instead they settle into a big abandoned home, and find a couple of clues about Maya’s family. Things slowly get stranger and stranger when they notice a lack of children, and some burials being done. Soon enough they get too involved in the village’s secret, and what it has to do with Maya.

  What drives the movie early on is the relationship between Maya and Dini. Maya is kind of serious, and Dini always has a sarcastic answer for her. With impending doom coming, they’re actually pretty funny without really trying to be. Once the story focuses more on that doom, it just gets creepier and creepier. It’s an interesting story about family, betrayal, ghosts, and an evil curse.

  What really makes this story different is what’s going on with the babies that are born in this village. It’s something horrifying, and a nightmare for these would be parents. That’s right, would be parents because the babies born here aren’t allowed to live with what’s wrong with them. To top it off, they make good use of bringing a puppeteer into the picture. One of the bloodiest scenes happens at a show, and the puppets look strange not to mention are made in a horrible way.

  There’s more to tell about this story, but I don’t want to give anything more away. It’s a crazy story about the birth of a curse, and now the need to put an end to it. Of course that won’t be easy, and there’s a lot to reveal by the ending. Maya and Dini are really entertaining to start off with, but there’s nothing to smile about in the end. After seeing “Satan’s Slaves,” I knew Joko Anwar would deliver with “Impetigore,” and he did in a huge way. He has put together another horrifying and creepy story that will have audiences on the edge of their seats. With that, I give it 4 pools of blood. 

   

  HorrO

  

More info about this film at: http://promotehorror.com/2020/07/14/new-trailers-for-random-acts-of-violence-lake-of-death-and-impetigore/

COVEN REVIEW

Five undergrad witches come together in order to perform a ritual to invoke the ancient powers of the witch Ashura. The leader of the coven gets carried away and accidentally kills one of the witches during the ritual. She needs the strength of a complete coven to invoke Ashura's powers and sends them out to find a final witch. As she absorbs power the surviving girls' plot to take her down but the possessed witch unleashes hell on campus with only one young witch left to stop her.

Starring: Lizze Gordon, Margot Major, and Adam Horner

Directed by: Margeret Malandruccolo

Written by: Lizze Gordon

Check out the video below and find out how many pools of blood it received.

MERCY CHRISTMAS

When Michael Briskett meets the perfect woman, his ideal Christmas dream comes true when she invites him to her family’s holiday celebration. Dreams shattered, Michael struggles to survive once he realizes HE will be Christmas dinner.

Starring: David Ruprecht, Gwen Van Dam, and Casey O’Keefe

Directed by: Ryan Nelson

Written by: Beth Levy Nelson, and Ryan Nelson

Check out the video below and find out how many pools of blood it received...

GHOSTS OF WAR REVIEW

Follows five battle-hardened American soldiers assigned to hold a French Chateau near the end of World War II. Formerly occupied by the Nazi high command, this unexpected respite quickly descends into madness when they encounter a supernatural enemy far more terrifying than anything seen on the battlefield. 

Starring: Brenton Thwaites, Theo Rossi, and Kyle Gallner

Directed and written by: Eric Bress

  War in itself is true horror. Purposely trying to kill others with knives, guns, grenades, and even bombs screams horror. It’s tough being there, and maybe tougher for those lucky enough to return. For the five soldiers in “Ghosts of War,” they hope to make it home, but are about to face everything war can throw at them and more!

  Chris (Brenton Thwaites) leads his squad on their next mission, which is to relieve another squad and hold down an old Chateau. The other squad acts weird on their way out, but this group of soldiers is looking forward to the opportunity for some rest and relaxation. As soon as they let their guard down they hear some strange noises in the house. They see things they aren’t sure are real, and eventually find signs of black magic. Before they can dig deeper into that, they must protect the house from the Germans. 

  In one of the better scenes, the audience gets a mix of war time violence, and deaths at the hands of the ghosts that haunt this home. The house appears to be haunted by a family that was killed by Nazis. Their deaths are slowly hinted at, and then played out once fighting begins. The soldiers defend the house only to want to leave it. Like with most ghost stories, leaving isn’t going to solve the problem.

  One of the soldiers has been taking clues from a journal found in the home. They figure burying the bones of the family will work, but that only seems to piss off the ghosts. The soldiers end up trying to fight off the ghosts, who want the soldiers to experience the way they died. At this point, it’s hard to know which side will prevail in this battle, and then the movie drops a huge twist in the story. 

  The twist will be much talked about, and might be the deciding factor over how much this movie is liked. As for me, I liked the twist. It fills in some of the odd things in the story that they clearly want the audience to know. At a time when fans want something different, this twist does just that. Yes, the twist is a little weird in itself, but why not try something different?

  Some soldiers return home to be haunted by war, but the soldiers here get treated to a haunting while still on duty. They find themselves fighting off Nazis, and a family of ghosts that are out to make them pay. The film executes the brutality of war well, and sets up some good scares. For those paying attention, they might get tired of the scares, and not notice it’s all because of something else happening. The twist will probably win over some fans, disappoint others, but will definitely give them something to talk about. Because I enjoyed the twist and how the story ultimately plays out, I give it 3.5 pools of blood.

  HorrO

More info about this film at: http://promotehorror.com/2020/06/20/official-trailer-and-poster-for-ghosts-of-war/

LAKE OF DEATH REVIEW

Lillan and some friends travel back to the remote cabin by the little lake, where her twin brother died last year, and soon after arriving strange things starts happening. Inspired by the 1958 classic horror film.

Starring: Patrick Walshe McBride, Ulric von der Esch, and Iben Akerlie

Directed and written by: Nini Bull Robsahm

  Got to like a title such as “Lake of Death!” Forget the typical cabin in the woods description, or the even shorter “In the woods” or “The Forest.” It definitely says watch me now, and for those headed to the lake… “stay away!” Unfortunately for this cast of characters, they can’t stay away from giving the lake a chance to live up to it’s name!

  So lets start with this cast of characters the most important being Lillian (Iben Akerlie). She has a past with the lake, and is the big reason they’ve returned. There’s Bernhard (Jakob Schoyen Andersen) who’s a podcaster interested in the tales about the lake, and Lillian’s gal pal Sonja (Sophia Lie) and her boyfriend Harold (Elias Munk). There’s opportunity for some male drama with Lillian’s ex Gabriel (Johnathan Harboe) coming along, and a local guy friend Kai (Ulric von der Esch) who also seems to have interest in her. Seems like a good group to stir up some trouble, and scare the hell out of.

  Again, it all starts with Lillian, and her brother Bjorn (Patrick Walshe McBride). Absent from the cast of characters above, Bjorn disappeared the year before at the lake. No one is sure what happened to him, but Lillian obviously has some strong feelings about being back there without him. There’s more going on with her including sleep walking and day dreaming, which sets up a lot of the horror in the movie. Strange things occur while she sleep walks at night that no one can explain, and she constantly sees this black liquid in different places.

  Those things definitely make this story creepy, along with similarities to other movies like the “Evil Dead” when the group discovers a hidden basement. Bernhard finds a book with a lot of darkness in it. No, it’s not going to bring demons to the cabin, but is an important clue to what’s going on. While they do try to throw the audience off track, it might not be that big of a surprise to what’s happening here. The bigger surprise might be the events that all made this happen.

  “Lake of Death” is inspired by a 1958 film, which I can’t say I’m familiar with so I’m not sure how much it follows that film. However, it’s clear that it also has influences from several modern horror movies as well. It sets up a group of characters ready to ignore the strange events that occur until it’s too late. Lillian drives the horror with her behavior, and visions. They make the most out of the setting with some fantastic shots, which makes it hard to believe this is the “Lake of Death.” It does get creepy, but doesn’t go big on the death scenes instead leaving the last twist of the story to shock the audience. With that, I give it 2 pools of blood.

   

  HorrO

  
More info about this film at: http://promotehorror.com/2020/07/14/new-trailers-for-random-acts-of-violence-lake-of-death-and-impetigore/

WHERE THE SCARY THINGS ARE EPISODE 54

Where The Scary Things Are Episode 54: The Abigail Haunting with Director Kelly Schwarze

In this Episode we talk to the very talented Director of The Abigail Haunting, Kelly Schwarze. Make sure to check out the Abigail Haunting on Tubi or Amazon Prime.

Muse talks about Ghosts Revenge in the Sinister Six. HorrO explores ideas of remaking From Dusk till Dawn. Chris reviews The Abigail Haunting and MMK brings back an old saying..."wazzzzzzzzup!?"

Also, catch our interview with Chelsea Jurkiewicz the star of Abigail Haunting on our youtube channel below.

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EARWORM REVIEW

A lonely man does battle with a relentless piece of music.

Starring: Ernest Thomas

Directed and written by: Tara Price

   If you listen to music most likely its happened to you. You turn it off, but there’s that one song that continues to play over and over in your head. Maybe you want it to go away, or you’re plenty happy to keep jamming to the song. “Earworm” proves just how hard it can be to get that song out of your head.

  The gentleman here is just trying to get some sleep, but is suddenly awakened by music. Is it an alarm clock? Nope, it’s the blaring of a song in his head. Instead of enjoying it, he seems to be in excruciating pain. Time after time he just tries to relax, but can’t do it. The music continues to haunt him until he goes to extreme measures to make it stop.

  “Earworm” is another short that takes an common situation, and puts a nice touch of horror into it. Ernest Thomas does a great job of showing just how much pain his character is in, and how desperate he is to get the sound to stop. The film is perfectly shot at just the right length to get the point across. The song that’s stuck in his head is actually pretty good, and so is this film. That ending scene just might get stuck in your head like the song. 

Watch it today on Amazon!

  HorrO

YOU SHOULD HAVE LEFT REVIEW

A former banker, his actress wife, and their spirited daughter book a vacation at an isolated modern home in the Welsh countryside where nothing is quite as it seems.

Starring: Kevin Bacon, Amanda Seyfried, and Avery Tiiu Essex

Directed by: David Koepp

Written by: David Koepp and Daniel Kehlmann

Check out the video below and find out how many pools of blood it received…

WE ARE THE MISSING REVIEW

The scariest nightmare are the ones you can wake up to in “We Are The Missing”; a drama/horror pseudo-documentary following The Madisons’ desperate search for their missing daughter.

Starring: Maissa Houri, Mark Templin, and Willow Mcgregor

Directed and written by: Andrew J.D. Robinson

   There’s shows like Dateline, and 20/20 that have been covering all kinds of murders, crimes, and disappearances for years now. Those kind of crime related programs have picked up recently with shows all over cable tv. Hell there’s even tons of true crime podcasts now with some actually helping solve the crimes. So why not have a little fun with that kind of production, and make a horror movie out of it? Well, that’s exactly what “We Are The Missing” has done!

  It starts off very seriously with Angie Madison (Maissa Houri) and John Madison (Mark Templin) talking about the disappearance of their daughter Riley. Each of them in their own locations, it goes back and forth with them telling a little about their daughter, and what was happening around the time of her disappearance. They’re very serious to start, and the audience might immediately fell sorry for them. Then there’s the mention of Riley’s imaginary, which changes the tone of things. 

  Along with the imaginary friend, there’s also the introduction of a real friend, Mackenzie. They were best friends who had an interest in horror movies. The documentary also talks a little with her, and how she’s trying to help find Riley through Facebook, and later getting involved in a local legend like Big Foot. Early on, it seems the film as a good formula of pretending to be a serious documentary, and then brings up something almost ridiculous to explain things.

  Then the film decides to take a dive, and turn this into one very strange documentary. From what originally was the disappearance of Riley, is now the disappearance of Riley and her parents. This leaves the documentary talking to her sister Paige, who didn’t want to be involved. It only gets worse as Mackenzie goes missing as well, shifting the documentary to follow her sister April. It’s not over there because the documentary soon moves from strange to truly bizarre. The people behind the documentary got more than they bargained for, but hang in there to try and put all the pieces together.

  Documentary or mockumentary, “We Are The Missing” will definitely have the audience going back and forth. Early on it definitely seems like the average as seen on tv missing persons story, but then reveals a formula of realness and almost ridiculousness. It plays on disappearances involving social media, local legends, and more. Then with no fear it pushes the boundaries with multiple disappearances, and bizarre reasoning behind it all. It may seem a little long at points and a bite complicated, but the pieces of the puzzle are all there in the end. It seems like a great timing for a film like this to come along and have a little fun with all these crime shows. They definitely took a risk here, but I think it pays off for them so I give it 3 pools of blood and hope not to disappear!

  HorrO

ARCHIVE REVIEW

2038: George Almore is working on a true human-equivalent AI. His latest prototype is ready. This sensitive phase is also the riskiest. Especially as he has a goal that must be hidden at all costs: being reunited with his dead wife.

Starring: Rhona Mitra, Theo James, and Toby Jones

Directed and written by: Gavin Rothery

   As society moves more into the future, technology continues to play a bigger role in our lives. One of the biggest things guiding us today are apps. It won’t be long before we move more to robots, which some basic forms already exist. Fast forward to 2038 in “Archive,” and a much more futuristic world with far advanced technology. Apps are definitely a thing of the past, as George Almore (Theo James) is already working on his third robot.

  The movie opens with an awesome looking base on the side of a mountain with a waterfall. It seems like it’s in the middle of nowhere, which might mean George is working on some top secret stuff. While his big project is hidden early on, the audience is introduced to the first two robots he’s built J-1 and J-2. J-1 is very basic, but can complete some tasks, while J-2 is more like his right hand robot. What’s different about J-2 is it seems to have a level of emotion to it, and maybe some memories. 

  Speaking of memories, they play a pretty big role in what’s happening. George has memories of his wife over the course of the movie. Some good, some bad, and some which apparently show what happened to the couple. The big project he’s working on is J-3, which is a robot that very closely mimics a human. Like the base, J-3 has a fantastic futuristic look after getting over its freaky first appearance. And the memories, well they are supposed to be put into J-3.  

  And how are memories going to end up in J-3? That’s where the Archive machine comes into play, as it’s a little unclear how it truly works. It somehow has some of a person’s thoughts saved for a time period after they are dead. Sounds crazy, but remember this is the future. George really isn’t supposed to be doing that, but it’s obvious he’s hurt by the loss of his wife, and wants her back any way he can take her. Of course messing with technology he isn’t supposed to is going to come with consequences, as the audience sees in the final stretch of the movie.

  This movie moves in stages, and introduces fancy technology all with the purpose of hiding something. It’s easy to get wrapped up in watching George interact with the robots in the beginning, and even focus on what J-2 is up to. Then there’s the random appearance by a few other characters that brings signs of danger that never really happens. All mixed in with memories showing George’s desire to be reunited with his wife at all costs. Ultimately, “Archive” tries to get the audience looking at everything else besides the twist that’s ready to punch them in the gut if they don’t see it coming. Nope, I was a sleep at the wheel and definitely got punched in the gut. Because it got me, I have to give it some credit and 3 pools of blood.

  

  HorrO

More information about the film at: http://promotehorror.com/2020/06/21/official-trailer-and-poster-for-archive/